CAERNARFON:
ENILLWYR & A NEW IDENTITY
The 137th JD Welsh Cup Final saw Caernarfon Town claim their first-ever Welsh Cup in their first-ever appearance, with an emphatic 3–0 victory over Flint Town United yesterday (Apr 12). The Cofis had lost in the semi-finals 6 times before finally breaking that curse this year.
They became the 36th different club to lift the trophy and the first new winner since Connah’s Quay Nomads in 2018.
For Flint, it was a return to the final for the first time since they lifted the trophy in 1954, a 72-year wait. FAW.
Caernarfon came into the match unbeaten in their last 6 meetings against Flint and had beaten them at the Essity Stadium earlier in the season, 5-2.
This time, Rodney Parade was a fitting backdrop for a Cup Final. Legendary Welsh singer Dafydd Iwan added to the atmosphere, performing “Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau” and “Yma o Hyd” ahead of kick-off, which was an appropriate introduction to a final that felt like a genuine celebration of North Wales football, in the South.
The Cofis found themselves on the front foot early, taking control inside the opening 20 minutes with three decisive goals. Sion Bradley opened the scoring in the 7th minute after a perfectly weighted through ball split the Flint defenders in the box. From there, he faked a shot, pulled it back, put two defenders on the ground, and slotted it past the keeper in the bottom right-hand corner. 1-0 Caernarfon.
Matty Jones would double the advantage with a free-kick that struck the post on its way in (12’), and Adrian Cieslewicz headed home from close range following a set-piece in the 17th minute. FAW.
Flint struggled to recover from the early setback but were able to create a few moments of their own, forcing Connor Roberts to produce a key save to deny Michael Burke from point-blank range in order to keep the clean sheet. Flint also had a goal ruled offside, but that was all she wrote.
The win sealed Caernarfon’s place in next season’s Europa Conference League qualifiers, their second European appearance in 3 years. It’s a fitting way to usher in a new era at the club, one that’s full of excitement, talent, and a new identity.
Supporters have been at the heart of this new design, with three separate fan consultations held between 2023 and 2025, culminating in a final decision at the start of 2026. This new crest will appear on all kits and official merchandise starting at the start of the next campaign (2026/27).
“We believe we’re the most Welsh club in World football and this new design, incorporating the Owain Glyndŵr dragon and sword, reflects our history, heritage and identity. We have worked closely with the supporters to create the crest and are excited to finally be able to reveal it. We hope everyone likes it.” - Chairman Paul Evans.
The dragon holds that sword, placing the story of Owain Glyndŵr and the Battle of Tuthill in 1401 at the heart of the design. This shift, bringing attention to the last native Prince of Wales, means a lot to me and, I’m sure, to the people closely associated with the club as well.
A new badge won’t just look good on kits, it’ll lead to more exciting commercial opportunities in the future as Caernarfon look to progress in Europe and build a strong brand. nationcymru.
I like this ‘mythical’ connection with the Battle of Tuthill and how history draws heavily on the image of the ‘mab darogan’, the chosen son who would free Wales from subjugation.
Six hundred years ago, Owain Glyndŵr gave the people of his time something tangible to fight for.
Now Caernarfon Town F.C. take their fight to Europe and beyond. ⚔️ 🏴
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Very rarely a fan of a badge rebrand, but this is exceptional. Loved learning a bit about the history behind it, great piece!
Excellent piece. Great to see Caernarfon back in the Europa Conference League, love that new crest and the way you intertwine Glyndwr's history is really compelling. Makes me want to go back and watch the Battlefield Britain documentary about him, haha.